As a new expat in Phnom Penh, one of the most important things you will need is a job. Continue reading to find out what work permits you may require, what the labour market looks like, and what kind of salary you may make to help you ease into your new life.
The local labour market
The job market is rapidly expanding in Phnom Penh, due to the fast increase in the economy. This growth brings new jobs to the country and diversifies the work scene, increasing salaries for both expats and locals. This sharp increase in jobs means that it is now easier than ever to find a job in Phnom Penh.
A great way to begin your search for a job in Phnom Penh is before you go. There are several job listing websites like CamHR, Bong Thom Classifieds, and The Phnom Penh Post. Another great way to find jobs in the city is through Facebook groups such as Phnom Penh Jobs and Phnom Penh Jobs for Foreigners. You can also find out more about who is hiring and what kinds of jobs are on offer by contacting fellow expats that are living in Phnom Penh.
Depending on what job experience you may already have and what kind of job you wish to have, you are likely to find something in Phnom Penh to suit your needs. Most expats go one of two ways when finding a job in Phnom Penh. The first is by agreeing on a job before you arrive in the country. These are usually high paying salary jobs that are often based overseas, which secure your visa and work permit for you. The second more typical route is by going to Phnom Penh and finding a job in person. This can be more time consuming and stressful, but it will often yield good results.
Promising fields and wages for expats in Phnom Penh
There are only a handful of local job sectors that are hiring expats. The most common ones are NGOs, English teachers, service industry, and business. Your wage and salary will vary depending on what job field you enter. You can earn on average USD800- 1,500 per month for teaching, NGO work and service industry jobs, whereas more lucrative business jobs can net you USD1,000- 3,000 per month
Getting a work permit
After you have found a job, you will need to apply for a work permit from the government which you can have done at the local sangkat (district government building) or through a third party service. It costs roughly USD100 to work for one calendar year and another USD100 to work for the current year. However, information and guidelines vary and change quickly, so check the Cambodia work and visa group on Facebook for up to date information.
Freelancing in Phnom Penh
If you prefer to work independently, however, you may choose to create your own business or do freelance work. Starting your own business in Cambodia is possible but proves to be a difficult and bureaucratic process; however, it can be done. For more information regarding this process, read about starting a business in Cambodia
Useful links:
Phnom Penh Jobs
Phnom Penh Jobs for Foreigners
Work and Visa group
Starting a business in Cambodia
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
